australian open: the russian charge

The Russian guys have a special place in our heart even though they rarely hit high marks for their fashion choices (except for Marat‘s necklaces, Igor Andreev‘s new Under Armour kit, and the occasional gem from Kolya Davydenko). So their attire at this year’s first Slam — the Australian Open — was no different. Take a look.

We had high hopes for Mikhail Youzhny on the Rebound Ace courts after his semifinal appearance at the 2006 U.S. Open. Alas, Roger Federer denied him a seven-salute run by winning 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the third round. Mikhail wore simple white as he did the splits and gave us a little show.

The speedy Davydenko was the fashion debutante in his new Airness threads, thus snapping what probably was the longest no-clothing-sponsor streak held by any Top Fiver. This sleeveless number was only worn in training.

As the third seed, he lost to German Tommy Haas 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 5-7 in the quarters.